7: Integrating ESD and GCED in Higher Education Curriculum: Perspectives from Kenyatta University, Kenya

The Earth Charter (2000) underscores the importance of turning conscience into action for a thriving Earth. Among the principles of the Earth Charter (EC) is integration into education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable future. It is, therefore, critical that learners are provided with frequent educational opportunities across all disciplines to actively contribute to sustainable development.

These principles of the EC resonate with UNESCO’s (2014) view of ESD as education that empowers learners to take informed decisions and responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society, for present and future generations while respecting cultural diversity. They are also in tandem with UNESCO’s (2016) perspective of GCED as education that aims to empower learners of all ages to assume active roles both locally and globally in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, and secure societies.